Laboratory Research Specialist

Laboratory Research Specialist

The Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine Division of the DOM. The division is led by interim division chief Michael Donahoe, MD and Executive Administrator Barbara Suchonic. The division is made of up approximately 70 clinical staff and over 100 research staff who work in a variety of locations including: Bridgeside Point, Biomedical Science Tower (BST), UPMC Hospitals including Presbyterian, Shadyside, East, Jameson and Mercy. The division provides world class services across 10 inpatient services at five hospitals and over 70,000 outpatient office visits. We have a major research mission that focuses on basic, clinical, and translational research on the lung, microbiome, COVID-19, sleep medicine, and allergy and immunology.

This position seeks a Laboratory Specialist in a state-of-art internationally recognized pulmonary research program in the areas of lung aging, fibrosis, and regeneration. The candidate will be primarily responsible for primary cell and tissue culture and analysis, including determining experimental protocols and analysis of experimental data. The candidate will be responsible for performing other laboratory techniques such as DNA/RNA extraction, histology, immunostaining, western blots, flow cytometry, and PCR. Attention to detail is critical for these activities. Scientific integrity and understanding of the mission of the research laboratory required. Routine problem solving is required. The processed human samples are subsequently analyzed using sophisticated technology and therefore reproducibility and perfection are essential. The candidate must have a good knowledge of and be experienced in laboratory skills, a high level of self-sufficiency and must be able to work independently. Appropriate supervision is provided. In addition, as needed, the candidate will participate in various day-to-day activities in order to maintain the lab. These include initiating and tracking purchase requests, and organizing supplies and equipment. Meticulous work habits, dependability, and very good communication skills are required.

Performs a variety of independent laboratory work and experiments such as determining experimental protocols and preparation of specimens and cultures. Prepares reports of findings subsequent to compilation and analyzation. Oversees specimen inventory. Develops documentation for publication; crafts manuscripts and grant proposals.

1) Processing and follow-up culture of human tissue and cell models
2) Application of several standard and advanced molecular and cell biological methods
3) Analysis of experimental data and interpretation of results
4) Keeping detailed log and protocols

Must be able to sit/stand for up to 8 hours.